Crystal River current., 1887-04-23

SO at kome? Twill not bear it another
day!" she added. passionately, a sud-
den determination coming too her,
born of her anger and loneliness.
| Throwing aside the book she had been
| pretending to read. she donned cloak
and hat, and, Notwithstanding the late
ness of the hour, hurriedly left the
house,
'.Is MIR. Vernon out of town that you
have condescended to pay me visit3
Surely you didn't walk and it raining
and almost darkp" and Miss Lay has.
| tened to remove Mldred's wet cloak.
why, Milly" with a glance at the
white, set face. shave yon been crying!
Is anything wrongP" and her face that,
at sight, Of Mildred had dimpled all
over with smiles. instantly grew sober.
cosy fire while Miss Lay established
herself on low stool.
"Have you had bad news from
homep" she continued. as Mildred held
her hands in the warmth OF the fire
without speaking.
mo; it's about John. We quarreled,
and--and oh, Lizzie. am SO unhap-
pyr' and, laying her head in Miss Lays
lap. Mildred sobbed out the whole mis-
cradle story.
"You foolish childn' exclaimed Miss
Lay. II don't wonder that John was
angEy'" !!sy vo,, ,,;,. ,v.. wholly n
blamep" said Mildred. with flashing
eyes; ''and after saying what you did
about marrying widower, too"
Il understand now; it was my fool
ish words that caused all the trouble.
My silly tongue is forever getting ME
into scrape," said Miss Lay, in a tone
of genuine regret
1T would have been the same if you
hadn't said a word" exclaimed Mil
dred. passionately. "Sooner or later ]
would have found out what a terrible
mistake have nader
"stuff and nonsensev' cried Miss Lay,
with sniff, II have always thou ght
you sensible girl. Mildred, but l con-
fess that you are acting very foolishly
now,''
Il suppose have no right to com.
plain, rs l was not forced into this mar
riage, but 1 certainly expected some
sympathy from you.'' said Mildred. in
an injured tone. Gas it seems quite
useless to explain matters will not
trouble you further" and she rose as il
to 60. Co. .,.,,
and tell me what you want me to do
said Miss Lay, drawing her stool near
er the fire. Il am sorry you're SO un.
happy, though don't see that you
have any cause to be SO wretched and
hcart-broken. You have it in your
power to be the happiest woman in
town." she continued as Mildred, with
a heavy sigh. resumed her seat.
Certainly Miss Lay was displaying
more forethought and wisdom than one
would have expected from so shallow
and frivolous a creature.
'.What can do for you Mildredr'
she asked, after little silence.
"You can let me stay with you till
morning." said Mildred. with sudden
eagerness. 'I-I-am-going home
Tomorrow" her voice faltering little.
II couldn't bear to stay another night
in that house!"
mildred, you are not in earnestF"
and Miss Lays blue eyes opened wide
with astonishment.
''But / am in earnest. very much in
earnest" returned Mildred, quickly,
her voice growing firm again. Il see
no reason why should stay here and
be miserable when they want me so at
home. the boys especially. Jack writes
that father mopes all day, and Tom has
broken his arm, and things are getting
topsy turvy, and"
"a pure fabrication of jacks" in
terruptcd Miss Lay. 'just written to
fill up space. And you want to leave
your beautiful home and a husband that
worshjps the very ground that you walk
on; don't shake your head in that
scornful way. for it's true-to go back
to those horrid troublesome boys! Well,
only wish Johu Vernon had asked me
to marry himr'
Mildred laughed in spite of herself
at the owl-like gravity of Miss Lays
look and tone.
4.That's better, and goes to prove
that you're not half as wretched as you
imagine. Now, Mildred, the right way
to manage a man is to make him be-
l:eve he's the only man in the world
worth looking att
'Is that allP" asked Mildred, dryly.
Yes"
"Then 1'm afraid I'll never learn how
to manage a man. said Mildred, with
little curl of the lip.
''See here, Mildred, you know you're
in the wrong, and it's your business to
set matters right again." said Miss
Lay, beginning to lose patience and to
realize that she had a rather difficult
task before her. IT know John Vernon
better than you do, if he is your hus-
band, and know just how sensitive he
is, and how easily you have made him
believe that he is too old and quiet for
you, and that he has tired you with his
simple. commonplace ways. l know.
too, that he's Just miserable over this
1ittla-what shall call itp-misundor.
standing"
do you really think he isP" asked
Mildred, unbending a little.
II am certain he is. How can he be
anything elsep Now, Mildred, 20
home. like good girl and make your
peace with him."
Mildrad hnrst info faara md fakinn